Updates to the City's Uniform Public Offense Code and Standard Traffic Offenses were two of the action items at the regular meeting of the city commission on Wednesday, August 19.
The meeting began with a recognition and award to Amy Lange for her almost nine years of service as city manager.
Lange resigned her position to take a city administration role in Manhattan. Her final day at Concordia City Hall will be August 28.
The City hired Glenn Rodden as interim city manager. Rodden is the former city administrator for Baldwin City and brings over 25 years of experience in city administration to the job.
Also at the meeting, Chief of Police Brent Gering announced his pending retirement. Gering will step down on November 6, and thanked the commissioners, city staff, his officers, and the citizens of the community for their support.
To see his full statement to the community, visit the Blade's website bladeempire.com.
In the action item portion of the meeting, commissioners approved Ordinances 2026-3246 and 2026-3247, which updated the Uniform Public Offense Code (UPOC) and the Standard Traffic Offenses (STO).
City Attorney Justin Ferrell stated that the City must update these codes each year to keep them current and noted at the local level.
Changes to the UPOIC include Section 3.5.1 Unlawful Approach of a First Responder. A Sub for HB 2372 introduced a new law that makes it unlawful for anyone to be within 25 feet of a first responder while the first responder is engaged in the performance of their duties
Changes to the STO include Section 126.2.1 Use of a Mobile Telephone While Operating a Motor Vehicle in a School Zone or Road Construction Zone. This is a new section that comes from SB 366 and places a prohibition on using cellphones and other wireless communication devices in school zones during the time when the reduced speed is enforced, or in a road construction zone where workers are present.
To see the full list of changes made to the codes, visit the City's website concordiaks.org
By unanimous vote, commissioners approved appointing Charity Brown to a vacated seat on the Frank Carlson Library Board of Trustees.
Commissioners then met in executive session for non-elected personnel for 23 minutes with interim city manager Glenn Stodden. No action was taken.
Commissioners then granted city manager Amy Lange an early release from her position as city manager, effective August 28.
With no further items on the agenda, the meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m.
